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Songcatchers, Inc. was founded by Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU, in 1994 as a non-profit organization dedicated to providing musical programs to the multi-cultural population within New Rochelle. The organization is an outgrowth of the original choir begun in 1979 when Sr. Beth was a teacher at Blessed Sacrament School, New Rochelle. Growth has been organic, so that today, Songcatchers consists of three programs which feed into and flow from one another: A Choral Arts Program, consisting of a Concert Choir and Ensemble and a one-week residential Choir Camp; an After School Music Program and an Early Childhood Music Program. All of our programs strive to create a peaceful community spirit enabling growth of body, mind and spirit and the forging of deep and lasting friendships.
Songcatchers offers quality, accessible music instruction to those for whom lessons would otherwise be an unaffordable luxury. Our programs bring music into the lives of children, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts and helping them grow into expressive, confident adults. While learning to play a musical instrument or sing in a choir, they also benefit from improved literacy, memory, math skills, self-esteem, inner peace and an established sense of belonging.
As an independent, community nonprofit organization, our funding comes from several main sources: affordable lesson fees; fundraising efforts by our Board, student families, and volunteers; grants by corporations and municipal groups; and personal donations. This year, we are hoping to increase the amount of personal donations made and establish more summer camp scholarships. Tuition for the week costs $420/per person- help support our cause and goal to provide at least 10 individuals with the opportunity to attend Choir Camp 2015!
Choir Camp provides wonderful experiences in chorus and drama, as well as sports, swimming, and arts and crafts. There is a high counselor to child ratio, and an emphasis on community building. Leadership training is a strong component, with a 3-year Counselor-In-Training program (CITs). The week culminates in amazing choral and dramatic performances for which the campers prepare all week.
Here's what our volunteers and families have to say...
"As someone who grew up through Songcatchers, as a camper, CIT, counselor, and now choir camp parent, I can attest to the many beneficial qualities the organization instills in children and young adults. Songcatchers Choir Camp is the place where I learned teamwork, experienced the growth and progress that comes with consistent hard work and practice, and was able to shine with the qualities that are unique and special to me...rather than trying to fit into some pre-determined mold. Songcatchers creates leaders by fostering a strong sense of community, asking each individual child to be a beacon for peace, and providing a safe and supportive environment where children can challenge and learn about themselves. I have no doubt
that the parent, artist, entrepreneur, and small business owner I am today, was strongly shaped by my Songcatchers Choir Camp experiences. I am also encouraged by the growth, strength, and delight, it has brought to my daughter's life and which stays with her throughout the year." – Erin McKenna Nowak, former Choir camper and current Camp parent
"Songcatchers nurtures bonds across the frequent dividing lines of culture, income and ethnicity by drawing young people and their families into the shared celebration of music. I am continually grateful for the impact of Sr. Beth and Songcatchers on our entire family.” – Kathryn Wiegand, parent of several former volunteers and longtime supporter of Songcatchers
"Participating in the Songcatchers program has been very beneficial for my children because not only have they learned how to play different instruments and read music, but they also help them psychologically as therapy and recreation. It has also helped them to experience several forms of responsibility and care for their belongings. This assists them with their daily lives all through the year and including the summer time at camp." – Ana Rosa Arboleda, parent of one Songcatcher student/violin aide and one volunteer & Camp Staff
"Songcatchers has had an incredible impact on the person I have grown into and the path I've chosen to take in life. The things I learned with and through this organization - the importance of things like family/friends, respect, appreciation for others, and a child's ability to feel good about themselves - have stayed with me and have led me to a life of work giving back to others, hoping in some way to leave the world a better place because I was here." – Michelle Carty, After-School Music Program volunteer; Concert Choir/Choir Camp Staff member.
Songcatchers, Inc.
Songcatchers offers quality, accessible music instruction to those for whom lessons would otherwise be an unaffordable luxury. Our programs bring music into the lives of children, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts and helping them grow into expressive, confident adults. While learning to play a musical instrument or sing in a choir, they also benefit from improved literacy, memory, math skills, self-esteem, inner peace and an established sense of belonging.
As an independent, community nonprofit organization, our funding comes from several main sources: affordable lesson fees; fundraising efforts by our Board, student families, and volunteers; grants by corporations and municipal groups; and personal donations. This year, we are hoping to increase the amount of personal donations made and establish more summer camp scholarships. Tuition for the week costs $420/per person- help support our cause and goal to provide at least 10 individuals with the opportunity to attend Choir Camp 2015!
Choir Camp provides wonderful experiences in chorus and drama, as well as sports, swimming, and arts and crafts. There is a high counselor to child ratio, and an emphasis on community building. Leadership training is a strong component, with a 3-year Counselor-In-Training program (CITs). The week culminates in amazing choral and dramatic performances for which the campers prepare all week.
Here's what our volunteers and families have to say...
"As someone who grew up through Songcatchers, as a camper, CIT, counselor, and now choir camp parent, I can attest to the many beneficial qualities the organization instills in children and young adults. Songcatchers Choir Camp is the place where I learned teamwork, experienced the growth and progress that comes with consistent hard work and practice, and was able to shine with the qualities that are unique and special to me...rather than trying to fit into some pre-determined mold. Songcatchers creates leaders by fostering a strong sense of community, asking each individual child to be a beacon for peace, and providing a safe and supportive environment where children can challenge and learn about themselves. I have no doubt
that the parent, artist, entrepreneur, and small business owner I am today, was strongly shaped by my Songcatchers Choir Camp experiences. I am also encouraged by the growth, strength, and delight, it has brought to my daughter's life and which stays with her throughout the year." – Erin McKenna Nowak, former Choir camper and current Camp parent
"Songcatchers nurtures bonds across the frequent dividing lines of culture, income and ethnicity by drawing young people and their families into the shared celebration of music. I am continually grateful for the impact of Sr. Beth and Songcatchers on our entire family.” – Kathryn Wiegand, parent of several former volunteers and longtime supporter of Songcatchers
"Participating in the Songcatchers program has been very beneficial for my children because not only have they learned how to play different instruments and read music, but they also help them psychologically as therapy and recreation. It has also helped them to experience several forms of responsibility and care for their belongings. This assists them with their daily lives all through the year and including the summer time at camp." – Ana Rosa Arboleda, parent of one Songcatcher student/violin aide and one volunteer & Camp Staff
"Songcatchers has had an incredible impact on the person I have grown into and the path I've chosen to take in life. The things I learned with and through this organization - the importance of things like family/friends, respect, appreciation for others, and a child's ability to feel good about themselves - have stayed with me and have led me to a life of work giving back to others, hoping in some way to leave the world a better place because I was here." – Michelle Carty, After-School Music Program volunteer; Concert Choir/Choir Camp Staff member.
Songcatchers, Inc.